Croydon HMO licensing guide

HMO licence in Croydon — do I need one?

Croydon has 2 licensing schemes on our register, on top of the national mandatory HMO rules. This page summarises the active and upcoming schemes, links to the council source, and explains what you need to do as a landlord.

Active and upcoming schemes

Sourced from Croydon announcements and tracked by our weekly scanner. Always verify directly with the council before applying.

ConsultationEffective: September 2026

Croydon Selective & Additional Licensing Consultation

Consulting on selective licensing (14 wards, fee £800) and borough-wide additional licensing (fee £1,250). Schemes to launch 1 September 2026.

Read the original announcement →
SelectiveEffective: 2026-09-01

Croydon Selective & Additional HMO Licensing Schemes Confirmed (Effective 1 September 2026)

Croydon Council has confirmed two new private sector property licensing schemes coming into effect 1 September 2026 for five years: a borough-wide selective licensing scheme and an additional HMO licensing scheme. Landlords must apply for the appropriate licence before the effective date.

Read the original announcement →

National mandatory HMO rules (apply everywhere in England)

Regardless of any Croydon-specific scheme, you also need to comply with the national mandatory HMO licensing rules under the Housing Act 2004:

  • 5 or more occupants from 2 or more separate households sharing a kitchen, bathroom or toilet → mandatory HMO licence required.
  • A household = single person, couple, or family unit. Unrelated sharers each count as a separate household.
  • Unlicensed HMOs face civil penalties up to £30,000, Rent Repayment Orders (up to 12 months' rent).

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Disclaimer: This page is an indicative guide based on publicly announced Croydon schemes and the Housing Act 2004 standard test. It is not legal advice. Council schemes change frequently — always confirm the current position with Croydon Council before letting or applying for a licence.